Is ANC's Loyiso Masuku tipped as leading candidate for Johannesburg mayoral position? Political analysts weigh in

The ANC Greater Johannesburg Region has declined to comment on reports that deputy mayor Loyiso Masuku has emerged as its preferred mayoral candidate, while incumbent Mayor Dada Morero was reportedly excluded from the list submitted to Luthuli House for consideration.

The developments come ahead of the highly anticipated local government elections scheduled for November 4.

In response to an IOL News inquiry, the ANC said the process is being handled by the National Officials Body (NOB) and that the outcome will be announced once internal processes have been concluded.

“We unfortunately cannot respond to any of these questions simply because this process is a process of the NOB, not regions.”

“Once the NOB has concluded their internal process, there will be a media statement informing the public of the results,” said ANC Johannesburg regional spokesperson Mantombi Nkosi.

The response follows reports that the REC has nominated Masuku as the sole candidate to be considered for the ANC's mayoral candidacy in Johannesburg.

According to reports, the REC resolved that regional office bearers (ROBs) should deliberate on a list of names for consideration. 

Among those reportedly under consideration are Nhlanhla Lux, Reverend Frank Chikane, Chichi Maponya and Jabu Moleketi.

Masuku is currently the deputy mayor of Johannesburg, Lux is a former Operation Dudula leader and immigration activist, and Chikane chairs the ANC Integrity Commission. 

Maponya is a businesswoman and Moleketi is a former deputy finance minister.

It is understood that the ANC has not yet begun interviewing mayoral candidates, although insiders say the process is expected to be finalised by the end of June.

While Morero has reportedly not been included on the nomination list, he has been selected to serve on the Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT).

Last month, the ANC opened its mayoral selection process to the public, inviting ordinary South Africans, including non-party members, to nominate candidates for the 2026 local government elections.

The move forms part of the party's newly established Centralised Mayoral Selection Programme and marks the first time the ANC has formally stated that party membership is not a requirement for consideration for some of the country's most influential local government positions.

Under the process, members of the public can submit nominations for mayoral candidates across South Africa's eight metropolitan municipalities and 28 key secondary cities. 

The system also allows individuals to nominate themselves.

Speaking to IOL News, political analyst Professor Theo Neethling, a research fellow in the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State, said Masuku appears to be the frontrunner.

“Indeed, Loyiso Masuku currently appears to be the frontrunner to become the ANC's mayoral candidate for Johannesburg. Her election as ANC Johannesburg regional chairperson and her apparent support within the party's regional structures have strengthened her position, while Dada Morero's standing appears to have weakened,” he said.

However, Neethling said the ANC has introduced an unusual nomination process that allows candidates from outside traditional party structures.

“This suggests that the party leadership is concerned about its electoral prospects in Johannesburg and wants flexibility to select the strongest possible candidate.”

He said that while speculation persists that an outsider could emerge as a compromise or high-profile candidate, there is currently no clear evidence that the ANC has settled on such an option.

“For now, Masuku remains the most likely candidate, but the final decision will probably depend on whether the ANC leadership prioritises internal party support or broader electoral appeal ahead of the local government elections,” he told IOL News.

“The key takeaway is that the ANC's Johannesburg mayoral nomination remains open, but Masuku is presently the favourite and Morero no longer appears to be the leading contender.”

Neethling said the broader political significance is that the ANC appears to be treating Johannesburg as a high-risk battleground ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

“With the DA's candidate being Helen Zille and ActionSA fielding Herman Mashaba, the ANC cannot afford a weak or divisive mayoral candidate. The prolonged nomination process suggests that the party is still weighing electability against internal party considerations,” Neethling said.

Independent political analyst, Solly Rashilo said the ANC's Johannesburg mayoral selection process reflects a party facing declining support, internal divisions and growing pressure ahead of the local government elections. 

“The reported exclusion of Dada Morero suggests a lack of confidence in current leadership and highlights ongoing factional battles within the organisation.”

“While Loyiso Masuku may be a leading contender, changing individuals without addressing broader governance and service delivery concerns is unlikely to reverse the ANC's electoral decline,” he said.

“The decision to consider non-members for mayoral positions can be seen as an admission that the party's traditional leadership pipeline is weakening and that it needs to look beyond its own structures for credible candidates.

“Overall, the process suggests an ANC that is increasingly focused on limiting electoral losses and maintaining relevance rather than operating from a position of political dominance,” Rashilo added.

Meanwhile, reports indicate that in Ekurhuleni, regional chairperson and current City of Ekurhuleni mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza also did not make it onto the list submitted to Luthuli House.

IOL News approached the ANC in Ekurhuleni for comment, but the party declined to comment on the matter.

“Out of respect for the internal process, we are unfortunately unable to comment,” said ANC Ekurhuleni spokesperson Thabang Mashiyane.

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